National Audit Office report on Implementing the UK’s exit from the European Union: Department for International Trade

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published a briefing on how the Department for International Trade (DIT) is preparing for the EU Exit and the steps it has made, since its creation in 2016, to establish the best trading framework for the UK to maximise trade and investment after the UK leaves.

The briefing sets out the following:

• ·        The scale of DIT’s task. Of the 313 EU exit work streams identified by DExEU, DIT is accountable for eight. This includes some complex challenges, new legislation and scenario-based planning, namely preparing for and determining changes to the EU trade agreements to ensure they continue to function after the UK leaves the EU.
• ·        How DIT has set about its task. The department has grown rapidly since its creation in 2016, supported by additional funding to strengthen its trade policy capabilities. The department is planning its legislation programme and is beginning to develop its skills requirements. 
• ·        How DIT is working with others, including the cross government Trade Policy Steering Board on EU Exit Trade policy and in developing a trade negotiating capability across government.